John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The extent of the geographical difference and the difference in people's views on issues in the provincial system, as it was, were huge. There is a certain logic to having that south-eastern region with Munster in the Ireland South constituency. It is a matter we will have to consider in advance of any future realignment of European Parliament constituencies, because the terms of reference specifically require the committee to take into account the previous electoral boundary. That restriction might have to be looked at if we are looking at how those boundaries will be drawn in the future in the widest sense.

See this speech in context